Language Journeys: A Customer Perspective

Settling into Firenze

It’s hard to believe that two weeks have passed since I moved into Palazzo Capponi in Florence, or Firenze, to begin my master’s program. I’m officially in the full swing of school, as this week is my first week of classes. I’ve adjusted very well to life in Italy. The food is delicious, the people are friendly, and the sights are breathtaking. When I got off the airplane at Florence Peritola Airport—Aeroporto di Firenze—my ten-month Italian test began.

So far, my experiences speaking Italian to locals have been successful. I’ve noticed a dramatic difference in my ability to have basic conversations, order in restaurants, and ask for directions (which I’m finding I don’t need to do quite as much anymore because I’ve learned this city very quickly). I can’t believe I’ve come this far already—just a couple of weeks ago it wasn’t this easy.

When I got off the plane, I met a few students who are in the program with me and we decided to split cabs to our new home. The girl I rode with did not know any Italian, so it was up to me to step up to the plate. I gave the cab driver the address of the palazzo and it took about five minutes before he actually understood my pronunciation of Via de Michelozzi. I was definitely discouraged, but I knew everything would be all right; it would just take more practice.

Since then, I’ve had to repeat myself less frequently and I form sentences much more quickly than when I first arrived. I owe it all to Rosetta Stone. Although I’ve just started my master’s program, which requires a lot of reading in English, I force myself to find time to practice a little bit of my new language with Rosetta Stone TOTALe each day. And, I have the advantage of being immersed in the culture and forced to use Italian. The only problem I face is that many Italians are learning English and want to practice, so I’ve gotten in the habit of suggesting that I speak in Italian and the other person practice English.

Today, I had a wonderful experience with Italian. I met up with an American friend who has been living in Firenze for over a year and is completely fluent in the language. He took me to lunch, or pranzo, at a restaurant his friend owns. I had a small conversation with the restaurant owner—in Italian, of course. Then, he asked me in English where I learned Italian, saying my accent sounded like that of a native and that I used proper Italian grammar. That was the biggest compliment I’ve received and my confidence is through the roof, propelling me to continue using TOTALe.

I can’t wait to write again and update you as my proficiency in Italian improves.